Post by Ayrlego on May 6, 2016 17:52:14 GMT -8

Since the discovery of New Lenfald by Abner of Darrenspur and the subsequent settlement and colonisation of Port Emerald, it had become apparent to Lenfel explorers that New Lenfald was only one of many islands in a vast archipelago that was becoming known as the Great Western Isles.

Notes, maps and sketches of the new world made by these explorers were slowly making their way back to Stonewald where High Lord Albrecht Von Falkenborg recognised them as an invaluable resource. With Lenfald’s independence from Roawia still young and uncertain, rumours of Outlaw ships already in the new world and with both Loreos and Garheim feverishly preparing their own voyages of discovery and colonisation, Von Falkenborg recognised this information had power. If Lenfald could collate all the fragments of information into one comprehensive map, and keep that map from the other factions, they would maintain their advantage in the New World, which at the moment was feeding the economy and ensuring a strong, united Lenfald faced any potential challenges from the crown of Roawia.

To coordinate this effort, Von Falkenborg had appointed his one-time rival for the High Lordship of Lenfald, Lord Orin Wenslav, also known as “The Keeper”. Lord Wenslav was easily the best man for the task. As well as a well renowned scholar, he was also a master cartographer, indeed his map of Roawia had become the definitive map used by the crown itself! Lord Wenslav had eagerly accepted the task and had gathered a small but dedicated group of skilled cartographers, scribes and scholars. Together they worked tirelessly in a fortified manor just north of Stonewald, collating as much information from as many sources as they could find. Whilst Lenfel explorers had concentrated their exploration efforts on the island of New Lenfald, it was found that enough information was available to piece together a detailed map of the entire archipelago.

Word had recently reached Von Falkenborg that a draft map was ready for his inspection. So together with Grand Duke Cartney of Durrough and Grand Duke Meyrick of Ainesford, both of whom had happened to be in Stonewald at the time, he had arranged a visit to view the completed map.

“This is fantastic Lord Wenslav” commented Von Falkenborg. “I had no idea there were so many isles…. My word, I count ten of substantial size”“Yes my Lord, multiple sources have confirmed the existence of ten large isles, of which Lenfald has settled the most easterly, the one here with what appears to be a large caldera forming the bay in which Port Emerald is situated.” Replied Wenslav, pointing to New Lenfald on the map.“I must commend you on your most excellent work Lord Wenslav, I knew that there was only one man for this task, and you most certainly have not disappointed.”“It has been my pleasure my Lord, I have two copies of this map at the moment, this one and another I have secured in a different location. With your approval I shall have my cartographers begin to make similar copies. Can you arrange safe dispatch for a copy for Duke Wynholm in Port Emerald?”“Yes, I shall do so at once” replied Von Falkenborg.The Lords all continued to stare at the map in silence for some time. What vast wonders could these lands possibly contain?

Unfortunately for the Lords of Lenfald however, the existence and location of the map would not remain a secret for much longer……

Note: The map in this MOC is an actual copy of Mitah Val Karem 's map of the Great Western Isles. So if you zoom in and squint (maybe even standing on one leg might help), you may be able to make out some of the details of the Great Western Isles. Who knows, maybe your faction will be choosing one of these islands to make your very own in the near future......??

Last Edit:May 12, 2016 3:30:55 GMT -8 by Ayrlego: Updated with Part Two information

Post by Drakkvonlego on May 11, 2016 19:04:26 GMT -8

And now for Part 2....

The moonlight cast its pale light into the map room, showing it deserted save for the forgotten goblets of celebratory spirits on the table. A cloud drifted across the sky, blocking the light in the chamber. Within a breath the cloud had passed, and the moon's light shone once again within the tower's interior. Except now a ominous hooded figure stood by the window.

The man known as The Phantom slowly strode to the table, admired the craftsmanship of the map, and casually placed the parchment in the folds of his cloak. With the same casual disdain he leaped from the window, holding onto a grappled chain, and landed expertly on the ground. Within another breath he vanished amidst the shadows. The Phantom, the newly appointment spymaster of the Outlaws, had heard of the existence of the map of the new isles even before Von Falkenborg - courtesy of his extended network of spies. He had decided act accordingly when presented with such news, and procure the map. He usually outsourced such a simple act of thievery, but he did not trust his underlings with such a potentially profitable artefact. Besides, it is always a good to practice old skills.

With the map in his possession, The Phantom sent out missives to representatives of the other factions. Over the next few days he travelled Roawia himself, hand delivering copies of the map to particularly wealthy members of Loroes and Garheim. Ever the loyal vassal, The Phantom only charged Baron Locklear half for the diagram!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Now all factions have access to the map of the Great Western Isles!!! So without any further ado, here it is!

So the results are in and as we all know Global Challenges now have consequences.... It's a big update so without any further introduction here they are:

The King's Council has listened to your voices and as a result each faction will be awarded an island to settle on as a result of this very close Global Challenge. For Lenfald this will be their second island, for the rest of their factions their first.

Now here is the twist, members will be allowed to choose which island their faction settles. Islands will be chosen in the order in which your faction placed in the challenge. Therefore Lenfald will have first pick, followed by Loreos, then the Outlaws and finally Garheim. Your faction should also name both your new Island (eg. New Lenfald) and your initial settlement (eg Port Emerald). The King's Council must approve of your names (so nothing silly please).

Bonus Challenge As an additional incentive for the factions that are attempting to establish colonies for the first time (Loreos, the Outlaws or Garheim), we will be holding a mini-challenge. Any of these factions that produce a global storyline update of how their faction's fleet made it to the great western isles, chose an island, landed on it and claimed it for their own will be awarded an additional 10 points for their faction.

These updates should be a collaboration from your faction and must consist of a minimum of two decent sized and well presented scenes together with an engaging story that conforms to the official global storyline. The MOCs shouldn't focus on a settlement as it has not yet been established - rather you should focus on the process of reaching/landing on the Isles. Participation is completely voluntary and if your faction chooses to participate your update should be posted in this thread before midnight June 4 (any time zone).

How picking an island will work1. Using Mitah Val Karem 's interactive map here you will see that in the menu on the left hand side of the map there is an option for 'unsettled islands'. Make sure this box is checked. Nine anchor signals should pop up, one on each of the major islands. If you click on one of these icons you should get a speech bubble that gives you a number eg. "unnamed harbour 4". 2. As a faction decide which island you'd like to claim. How your faction does this is totally up to your faction leadership. Ideally you should come to a decision within a couple of days to allow the other factions their selection. EDIT: See deadlines below. Naming your island/settlement can take longer - no rush. If there has been no response to your claim 5 days after it becomes your turn the choice will move onto the next faction.3. Once your faction has agreed on which island you'd like, post your selection in this tread together with the names you'd like for your Island and and settlement (which will be located where the unnamed harbour icon is on the map). If you haven't decided on a name/s then just posting the number will be fine.4. Build Build Build!!! Remember their are bonus points up for grabs for you late comers to the islands so that you can try and catch up with mighty Lenfald's score!!!

Lenfald on the clock - deadline May 22ndLoreos - Deadline May 24thOutlaws - Deadline May 26thGarheim - Deadline May 28thMissed Pick #1 - Deadline May 30thMissed Pick #2 - Deadline June 2nd(Any faction who misses their deadline will be moved to the end of the picking order, until all islands are selected.)

Post any questions you have regarding this update in this thread. Over to us Lenfels now to pick an island. When I post our decision here it will be over to Loreos. Enjoy!

Post by AK_Brickster on May 17, 2016 12:12:39 GMT -8

Can you please post deadlines for each faction to make their decision by? I think that's better than having a variable schedule based on when the previous faction picked. If you do this, we can shorten the gap between factions by a few days, since everyone should be actively working on their picks by now.Example: Lenfald on the clock - deadline May 22ndLoreos - Deadline May 24thOutlaws - Deadline May 26thGarheim - Deadline May 28thMissed Pick #1 - Deadline May 30thMissed Pick #2 - Deadline June 2nd(Any faction who misses their deadline will be moved to the end of the picking order, until all islands are selected.)

Post by Ayrlego on May 17, 2016 13:33:55 GMT -8

Can you please post deadlines for each faction to make their decision by? I think that's better than having a variable schedule based on when the previous faction picked. If you do this, we can shorten the gap between factions by a few days, since everyone should be actively working on their picks by now.